The Systematics of the Genus Prototheca with a Description of a New Species P. Filamenta

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Abstract
The physiology and morphology of 23 isolates of the genus Prototheca were compared. Cell morphology varied dependent on the growth medium. All isolates grew well at room temperature (25–30 C) and at 37 C. None grew at 4 C or 45 C. All isolates required thiamine and were resistant to chloramphenicol. One skin isolate demonstrated a greater enzymatic capacity than any of the recognized species and is proposed as a new species, P. filamento. The differential assimilation of sucrose, trehalose, propanol and inositol permitted the separation of taxa. Five species, P. filamento, P. morijormis, P. stagnora, P. wickerliamii and P. zopfii, are recognized in the genus. Prototheca ciferrii, P. portoricensis and P. segbzvema are considered synonymous with P. zopfii.